On Saturday Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans picked up a big commitment for the class of 2014 when defensive tackle Enoch Smith Jr. of Mt. Carmel High School in Illinois decided he would join the Spartan family.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Smith Jr. is one of the top players on the recruiting board for Michigan State. New Defensive Line Coach Ron Burton started recruiting Smith Jr. immediately upon arriving in East Lansing. Rivals.com ranks Smith Jr. the #28 defensive tackle in the nation for the class of 2014. He selected the Spartans over a host of BCS programs including Notre Dame, Tennessee, Illinois, NC State and Arizona.

Smith Jr. travel to East Lansing to take in the Green and White and build more rapport with the staff. While on campus he decided that becoming a Spartan was what he wanted to do. We asked him about the decision making process.

"I decided to commit yesterday while I was sitting down and eating," Smith Jr. said. "I was praying on it and while I was eating God told me that Michigan State was the right place. I love the vibe that I get every time I go to Michigan State. The coaching staff is top notch and I like where the program is headed."

The commitment of Smith Jr. gives the Spartans a player that could have an opportunity to work his way into the mix early on in his playing career. The Spartans will graduate seniors defensive tackles Micajah Reynolds and Tyler Hoover after this season. We ask Smith Jr what role the staff sees him having when he arrives in East Lansing.

"They envision being a true asset to the team," he said. "They want me to come in and just dominate. I've built a great relationship with the coaching staff, and that was key because they're the main people that I will be around for the next four years, besides Coach Mannie, the Strength and Conditioning Coach."

Family is a very important aspect to Smith Jr. and it definitely played a role in the recruiting process. Not only did he like the family atmosphere he experienced in East Lansing, but he also liked the fact that his family was behind him 100%.

"My family is extremely supportive in everything I do, Smith Jr. said. "I wouldn't be the young man I am today without them. They were "All In" when I told them my plan to commit to Michigan State."

Under the direction of Coach Dantonio the Spartans have moved to the top of the Big Ten Conference when it comes to defense. The staff believes that Smith Jr has the talent to be a force for years to come. We asked him about the reaction he got from the staff when he decided he was going to commit.

"They were extremely shocked," he said. "They all were smiling and they almost jumped out of their seats."

No doubt the commitment of Smith to go along with the commitment of Brian Allen of Illinois had the Spartan coaches on cloud nine. The two Chicago area products bring a lot of ability to the table and the staff knows that they are the type of prospects that can only serve to help bring more top recruits to Michigan State University.